Padma Shri for cancer - curing Tibetan doctor in the field of medicine

[Friday, January 26, 2018 17:41]

By Tenzin Dharpo

Dr. Yeshi Dhonden examining a patient. file photo

DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 26: The foremost Tibetan traditional medicine practitioner Dr. Yeshi Dhonden will be conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award for his outstanding contribution in the field of medicine. The 90 year old Tibetan monk’s name was included among the 2018’s list of awardees released on Thursday, of 85 honorees who will receive top civilian awards from the government of India.

Speaking to the media on the matter, Dr, Yeshi Dhonden said, “They have seen my work with their own eyes and so all I can say is thank you for the honor.”

“The plan had always been to help others and follow the directions of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” he said of his motivation for being in this profession for all these years.

The expert in Tibetan traditional medicine known as Sowa Rigpa, is famed for his treatment of late-stage cancer patients using herbal remedies for over the last few decades by examining the pulse and urine sample of patients. His clinic based out of McLeod Ganj town in Dharamshala on a daily basis treats close to a hundred patients.

Dr. Yeshi Dhonden was born in Tibet in 1927 and trained under the then physician of the 13th Dalai Lama prior to Tibet’s annexation in 1959 by China. After fleeing to India along with thousands of Tibetan refugees, Dr. Yeshi was one of the founding members of the Men-Tsee-Khang in exile, here in Dharamshala. He served as the Director of the institute until 1979 after it had been operating successfully in the Tibetan diaspora. Today, the Tibetan medicine is considered as a viable medicine treating thousands around the globe as well as a growing clientele.

The Tibetan monk also served as the personal physician to the Dalai Lama until 1980 and remains a cherished follower of the Tibetan leader.

Tibetan President Dr. Lobsang Sangay applauding the development was quoted as saying, “We congratulate his personal contribution and recognition of Tibetan medicine which is now increasingly being discovered and treasured by the international community for its healing prowess.”